Port MacDonnell V Hatherleigh
Hatherleigh’s dream of a first-ever unblemished season ended on Saturday when it was defeated by Port MacDonnell at home by 12 points in the match-of-the-day in the Mid South East Football League.
The Demons were close to full strength and fielded its three Mail Medallists in Tim Sullivan, Josh Woodall and Will Macdonald.
The seasiders proved more than a match for the Eagles who were seeking their 13th consecutive win.
As well as some injured players on the sidelines, the home side had to cover the absence of the MSEFL’s leading goal scorer and MSEFL and SE zone representative Paddy Chay.
He was having another run with the South Adelaide Reserves and booted a goal in the Panthers’ 29-point win over West Adelaide before 948 spectators at Noarlunga.
The honour of tossing the coin was accorded to former player and Hatherleigh Football Club stalwart Geoff Tucker who was marking his 70th birthday.
After beginning well, Hatherleigh trailed by eight points at the long break.
The ladder leaders were never back in the lead as the visitors firmed up their chances of a major round berth.
Hatherleigh travels to Mick and Jean Walker Oval at Mount Burr for round 15 while Port MacDonnell features in the match of the day against Robe at the Bay.
Kalangadoo V Tantanoola
Kalangadoo remains outside the top four and behind fourth-placed Port MacDonnell after it came away from its annual match at Tigerland with a 35-point triumph over Tantanoola.
The Tigers had the first use of a four-goal breeze which favoured the eastern end.
The home team could not fully use this benefit and only led by 11 points at the first change.
With the breeze at their backs, the visitors dominated the second term.
The Magpies added 5.5 while conceding just one behind.
The Tigers lifted after the long break but could never get much closer than 15 points.
Kalangadoo posted the last few goals of the contest.
Meanwhile, various charity stunts such as raffles and head shaving by the Tantanoola sporting fraternity lead to more than $6000 being raised to benefit the Do It for Dolly Foundation.
Looking to round 15, the Magpies have defeated the Murphies on their 20 past meetings since 2013 and so their upcoming match against Glencoe at home holds few terrors for them.
There will also be a mini black and white army in attendance to mark the hattrick of premierships from 1982-84.
It is jokingly known as the Kalagadoody-era as it featured Roger Doody as captain-coach and his elder brother Noel and younger brother Neal.
Tantanoola’s next match is at Nangwarry on Saturday where the home team will be marking 30 years since the club’s second premiership in 1994 when it defeated Tantanoola at Port MacDonnell.
The Saints will also be having a special reception to thank L.V. Dohnt & Co. for 60 consecutive seasons of sponsorship.
Such a level of corporate support in any sport and any place is rare and so Dohnt family members will be honoured guests.
Glencoe V Kongorong
Glencoe was in top gear throughout and eventually put Kongorong to the sword at home to the tune of 83 points.
The Murphies had the benefit of a three-week break from the playing arena and played their best footy from the get go.
They were keen to secure the premiership points as well as ensure the 200th game of Zacc Cocks had a happy outcome.
He is a past captain and coach of Glencoe and the 2017 Mail Medallist.
Another plus for the victors was the six-goal haul by key forward Alex Hentschke. This took his season’s tally to 43 and just two behind Hatherleigh’s Paddy Chay.
Kongorong has a bye on Saturday while Glencoe plays at Kalangadoo.
Robe V Nangwarry
Nangwarry made the home team work hard in the first half at Robe and limited them to just four goals and numerous behinds.
At the other end of the oval in this period, the Saints were able to only split the big sticks on just two occasions.
The Roosters dominated in the second half to win by 68 points.
In a reversal of accuracy, Robe booted 16.4 at Kalangadoo in round 13 and 10.27 at home in round 14.
If not for an early season team sheet error and resultant penalty, Robe would be sitting at the top of the premiership table.
In addition to preparing for the major round, the Robe Football Club has had to deal with a formal written request from the SANFL to consider joining the new Limestone Coast League in 2025.
The Roosters committee met and considered the SANFL approach and rejected it.
Robe is the newest club in the MSEFL having joined in 1966 following the demise of the Southern Ports Football League.
